Page 79 - WUTHERING HEIGHTS

Wuthering Heights

dear, the child is in mourning - surely it is - and she may
be lamed for life!’
’’What culpable carelessness in her brother!’ exclaimed
Mr. Linton, turning from me to Catherine. ‘I’ve

understood from Shielders‘‘ (that was the curate, sir) ‘"that
he lets her grow up in absolute heathenism. But who is
this? Where did she pick up this companion? Oho! I
declare he is that strange acquisition my late neighbour
made, in his journey to Liverpool - a little Lascar, or an
American or Spanish castaway.’
’’A wicked boy, at all events,’ remarked the old lady,
‘and quite unfit for a decent house! Did you notice his
language, Linton? I’m shocked that my children should
have heard it.’
’I recommenced cursing - don’t be angry, Nelly - and
so Robert was ordered to take me off. I refused to go
without Cathy; he dragged me into the garden, pushed
the lantern into my hand, assured me that Mr. Earnshaw
should be informed of my behaviour, and, bidding me
march directly, secured the door again. The curtains were
still looped up at one corner, and I resumed my station as
spy; because, if Catherine had wished to return, I intended
shattering their great glass panes to a million of fragments,
unless they let her out. She sat on the sofa quietly. Mrs.

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